Valerie Bertinelli celebrates her casual California cuisine with a backyard barbecue inspired by a trip to the farmers' market, with Dom's Salsa and Guacamole, Angela's Roasted Corn and Bean Salad, Tom's Spicy Margarita with Jalapeno and Ginger, and Barbecue Chicken Kabobs with Tequila Lime Cilantro. And for dessert, Lynn's Sick Brownie Bites.

It's Valerie Bertinelli's turn to entertain her best girl friends at this month's meeting of their 18-year-old book club. Valerie's menu includes Cream Cheese Crab Spread with Homemade Crostini, Butter Lettuce Salad with Hazelnuts and Bacon Bits, Spicy Arrabiata Penne, and for dessert, Helen's Black Pepper Walnut Biscotti and Affogato.

Last-minute dinner plans never scare Valerie Bertinelli. She shares her tips for a quick and easy meal for friends and serves up her Crazy Easy Quickbread, Sliced Cauliflower Steaks with Raisins and Pine Nuts, and Baked Salmon with Honey Mustard Sauce. Her husband Tom's Summer Manhattan gets the party started and Valerie's Berries with Limoncello and Basil is the perfect finish to her last-minute gathering.